Research findings on and program design features of Project Head Start have apparently influenced the Reagan administration's decision to continue the funding of the program. Research appears to indicate that the intervention program has a lasting impact on participants. Additionally, researchers have demonstrated that program benefits can outweigh costs. The program, through eligibility requirements and other regulations, serves the truly needy and, through fiscal monitoring and on-site visits to assess compliance with regulations, avoids problems of waste and fraud. Further, there is some indirect evidence that Head Start may help to create an environment within which family members of Head Start children achieve greater independence from publicly supported programs. (Author/RH)